Paul Revere House Plaza and North Square

Your Guide

The Paul Revere House Plaza (North Square) is a space unique to one of Boston’s most historic neighborhoods. The flow of pedestrians, guided in large part by the Freedom Trail, weaves in and out of large open public spaces and is then pinched through tight, historic side-streets and alleys.

The plaza directly in front of the Paul Revere House is no different. The atmosphere is quiet, noise from the adjacent streets is blocked by the density of the North End. No surprise then that this would be one of the first places where the North End’s visitors stop and regroup. Visitors are pushed out of a bottleneck of traffic and allowed to filter and meander freely. Freestanding wooden furniture, a planted historic rotary, and a triangular expanse of open, cobbled space give respite and accommodate the sort of circulation and activity that comes naturally to a tourist destination.

Please note: There is a small entry fee to tour the house. Construction in the courtyard of the house will be completed by Spring 2014.View Sites Nearby

Historic and Modern

The center of the plaza, a cobbled rotary, has been revitalized from its former life as a hub of transportation and trade. It seems that, even though pastry boxes and tourist maps have replaced the supplies and raw goods that must have traveled through here, there is something parallel between the historic and modern uses of the plaza.

Image: Maria Bellalta

Bronze Facade

The plaza is bounded by some of the North End’s most impressive buildings. Bronze facades and antique brick buildings fronts lend a chunky and historic feeling to the area. It is buildings like this one that make lingering and relaxing inside North Square pleasant. Sitting and gazing up to find some of Boston’s most unique building styles is another element that makes this public space a treasure.

Image: Maria Bellalta

Home of a Patriot

The brown colonial home of Paul Revere sits against the deep red of historic North End brick buildings. Stained glass and traditional fixtures hearken back to a time when the home and plaza were populated by some of Boston’s most notable patriots. Visitors get a look into the life of Paul Revere, a figure that had a marked impact on the way the city, and the nation, took shape.

Image: Maria Bellalta

Comfortable Juxtaposition

The home’s classic colonial construction stands in comfortable juxtaposition to the stiff, historic brick of the neighborhood around it. Long known for its crowded and robust character, the North End has always been home to some of Boston’s most unique and historic housing. Plantings from inside the private courtyard spill out over the wall and draw visitors inside.

Image: Maria Bellalta

Courtyard and Garden

Inside the Paul Revere House walls is a contemplative and peaceful private garden. This garden, in conjunction with the home itself, gives visitors to Boston a look inside the life of one of the city’s most notable figures. Lush hollyhock create a wild and dense garden while ivy lined walls soften brick walls and invite visitors to sit against perimeter benches and wall seating.

Image: Maria Bellalta

Material Continuity

Visitors seeking history are confronted with building materials that evoke the sound and feel of a way of life lost to homogeneous and smooth modern surfaces. Each step, and misstep, against the uneven cobbled street and plaza are a reminder of how life used to be in Boston’s North End.

Image: Maria Bellalta

Defined Center

The center of the plaza, a cobbled rotary, has been re-purposed from its former life as a hub of transportation and trade. Bordered by a heavy, iron forged chain, the triangular plaza presents itself with distinct boundaries. Visitors must step over the low hanging chain to be inside the plaza.

Image: Maria Bellalta

Gathering Place

Bounded on all sides by historic buildings and St. John’s Church, North Square shows how Boston’s North End has remained in touch with its historic roots while still allowing for growth. The open­ plaza becomes a place of respite and allows visitors to reflect on their time in the historic neighborhood. Visitors are allowed, through use of the wide public space, to meander and explore at an enjoyable, relaxed pace.

Image: Maria Bellalta

Freedom Trail

Embedded into the North End is the red thread of the Freedom Trail. Pedestrian traffic constantly flows through the area. The Freedom Trail weaves pedestrians in and out of tight and open spaces and helps guide visitors through the history of this tightly packed neighborhood.

Image: Maria Bellalta

North End Atmosphere

Constantly pushed and pulled through tight spaces by the Freedom Trail, visitors and residents alike can always find moments of neighborhood character and beauty in the North End. Long known for maintaining its own unique character, the North End boasts the kind of street atmosphere you can only get in a historic neighborhood.